THE PERSON AND LIFE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Lesson Five

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

Scripture reading: Matt. 3:13-17

Burden to Impart:

God sent John the Baptist to ordain baptism and Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. Although John preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Luke 3:3), Jesus had no need to be baptized for sins, because he had no sin. But He still needed to be baptized to fulfill the requirement of God. This shows that Jesus was righteous by living, walking, and doing things in the way God ordained (Matt. 3:15, note 151).

Memory Verse: "And behold a voice out of the heavens saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I delight" (Matthew 3:17).

Facts to Teach:

1. John the baptizer came preaching to the people, telling them to repent of their sins, to turn back to the Lord their God, and to be baptized.

2. In order to show their real repentance for their sins the people needed to be baptized in the dirty, muddy waters of the Jordan River. This was a public declaration of their repentance.

3. Before Jesus began His public ministry and service to God, He came to be baptized by John. John hesitated to baptize Jesus because he knew that Jesus was holy and without sin. Jesus was not being baptized because of repentance, but "to fulfill all righteousness." He would be baptized in order to be right with God according to the way He had established for all men. The Lord Jesus did not make Himself an exception. He followed God's way.

4. John pointed the people to Jesus, to their Savior. He was the only One who could wash away their sins and save them.

5. When Jesus was baptized God showed how very pleased He was by giving the following signs:

a. The heavens were opened to Jesus.

b. The Spirit descended upon Him as a dove and remained upon Him to empower Him

for his earthly ministry.

c. The Father spoke from the heavens and said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I delight."